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History of Union Missionary Baptist Church

1937- Present

Union Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1937 by several members of the Chatmire community. The first church services were originally held in an old wooden building that was once a meat market. Sister Annie Bell Morris was our longest surviving founding member until her passing on December 10th, 2016. As the membership grew the old wooden building had served its purpose and was torn down. In the 1950’s, a new building was built to accommodate our growing church family. Over the years our church building has undergone many renovations and improvements.

Succession of Pastors

Union’s founding pastor was the late Reverend Calvin McGill. Reverend McGill faithfully served the church helping the membership grow both numerically and spiritually. Under Reverend McGill’s leadership, the current church was built during the 1950’s. Reverend McGill served as the leader Union until his death. After the passing of Reverend McGill, Union was led by Reverend Andrew Bell. Reverend Bell’s tenure at Union was concluded by his death. He was succeeded by his brother, Reverend J.C. Bell, who became the third pastor of Union, who also served until his death.

In the late 70’s, Reverend W.J. Brooks became the fourth pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Under Reverend Brooks’ leadership, Union experienced its greatest increase in membership and the youth in the church became more active. Due to Reverend Brooks’ dynamic leadership and the increase of membership, Union built and dedicated an Annex in 1990. Reverend Brooks served as the pastor Union for 22 years, which is the longest tenure of any pastor.

After the loss of Reverend W.J. Brooks, Reverend Telia Batts, became Union’s fifth pastor. Reverend Batts was the assistant pastor of Reverend Brooks and served as the leader of Union for three years until his resignation. Reverend Batts was succeeded by Reverend Kenneth Brown, who was installed on July 20th, 2003. Reverend Brown served as pastor until his resignation in 2006.

On the fifth Sunday in April 2007, Reverend Eric R. Cummings Sr. became the seventh pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. He served as pastor until October 2016. During his tenure, UMBC instituted an annual “Church Cleanup Day'', created a church website, and initiated the use of an automated phone calling system. The phone calling system provided members with weekly prayers, and updates of church events.

In August 2017, Reverend Jamie Gilmore Sr. accepted God’s call to become the eight pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Gilmore was installed on September 3rd 2017. Under his leadership, Union continues to grow in spirit and numbers.